“I'm your only son-in-law,” Elijah quickly interjected with a small laugh. My dad patted him on the back; their mutual admiration for each other was always evident. I turned away, not wanting to be caught looking. If I was being honest with myself, it was the kind of relationship I wanted with him as well if we didn’t butt heads all the time.
It had been months since I saw him. In true Andrew fashion he hadn’t aged one bit. He looked forty, tops. His brown hair was still slicked back in the same style it had been for years, his emerald-colored eyes an exact match to mine. He turned my way, there was no avoiding it.
“Son, nice to see you.” He extended his hand and I shook it like it was a fucking business meeting.
“Dad, always a pleasure.”
“So I hear the merger at Lexed was quite a success. Well done.”
“We are where we projected we would be. Even better, actually.”
“Your dedication has paid off. Your sister tells me you’ve been spending quite a lot of time in New York.”
I was certain he knew. Adriana told my parents everything. It was her one weakness. There was no beating around the bush. Irritated, I couldn’t believe we were back to discussing this.
“Just spit it out, Dad. What do you want to know? That I saw Charlotte again? That she looked utterly amazing? That she’s successful and moved on?”
“I'm glad she’s doing well. She always was a smart one.”
“Seriously Dad, that’s all you’re going to say?”
“Lex, what would you like me to say?”
“I don’t know. That I should leave her alone? That I shouldn’t have started all this shit again?"
“You’re a grown man. What you do with your life is your decision.”
“Funny, because that advice is seven years too late. Maybe if you let me make my own decisions back then I wouldn’t be living this fucking nightmare right now!”
“Son, listen to me—”
His sentenced was cut off as Rocky entered the room yelling, “I'm here, motherfuckers.” He was quick to apologize as soon as he caught wind of my dad standing there.
“Oh sorry, Mr. E.”
“Rocky, please, your language doesn’t offend me. Besides, it’s a bachelor party. I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“Shit, then let’s get this motherfucking party started!”
Rocky walked over to the sound system and cranked up some music, Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Baby Got Back played loudly. As the beats played, Rocky made himself designated bartender for the night. Oh shit, we were in trouble. “A toast to Elijah, Mr. Kama Sutra himself… Oh shit, sorry Mr. E!” Rocky blurted out realizing his Kama Sutra comment may not have gone down well with my dad.
“Please, call me Andrew.” He tapped on his chest as the aftermath of the shot settled. “Damn, it’s been years since I’ve had one of these... Not since the night Emily and I—”
“Oh hell no, Dad!! That’s some fucked up shit. Please don’t bring up stories about Mom.”
Rocky roared. Motherfucker. “C’mon Lex, Elijah said your mom’s a MILF!"
“I DID NOT!” Elijah blushed. Fucker.
“Well, I don’t blame you. She still knows how to...” My dad trailed off but I was quick to put a stop to this conversation.
“We could talk about Charlie then. Would that be more suited?” Rocky asked.
I knew all eyes were on me. It was the last thing I wanted to talk about. I motioned for him to pour me another shot which he did. It burned. I banged the shot glass on the table for another. Rocky looked at my father who just sat there amused. Pouring another this time, I took it quicker and it no longer burned its way through.
“What exactly do you want to talk about, Rocky? The way I fucked her on her desk or the way she fucked me on mine? Tell me, I’m sure you’ll have a good old laugh.” My tone was bitter, no matter what I couldn’t escape her. But I had to try because I couldn’t go on like this, trapped in this nightmare.
“Dude, look, I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t think so.”
This party had hit a low point. I grabbed the bottle and poured the shots. Placing my arm around Elijah’s shoulder I made a toast. “To Elijah. Thank fuck I can officially hand over my sister to you. Cheers!” We raised our glasses, then swallowed the drink.
The night kicked off with the guys playing poker and the topless waitresses serving us buffalo wings and other deep fried wonders. After losing a thousand bucks to the nerdy sci-fi dude, I grabbed a bourbon and walked onto the balcony. It was impressive, the color of the swimming pool, lit up as the LED lights surrounded it. It looked so refreshing, the Vegas night life spread out in front of me. As I leaned against the glass railing, the dry Vegas heat did nothing to ease the tension I was feeling.